Support Unceded Voices:Anti-Colonial Street Art Convergence

In less than two weeks I will be travelling to Tiotia:ke (“Montreal”) to partcipate in Unceded Voices and anti-colonial street art convergence. It will be my first time in the territory and I am excited to meet the other participating artists. This convergence is funded through grassroots fundraising and is not accepting government or corporate funding. It is made entirely possible by people who believe that art and culture can amplify worldviews that are centered from Indigenous perspectives. Please consider donating to the fundraising campaign here: -> donate: www.gofundme.com/uncededvoices

Throughout UNCEDED VOICES, visiting and local artists will be creating art pieces on the streets of Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) between August 14 until August 23. Some of these collaborations will be open to the public. There will also be several events open to the public (workshops, panels, screenings, etc.). For updates, visit our website (decolonizingstreetart.com) or our facebook page (www.facebook.com/decolonizingstreetart)

The goal of Decolonizing Street Art is two-fold: to develop a network of solidarity and support between Indigenous street artists; to promote anti-colonial resistance through diverse street art interventions.

At present, Decolonizing Street Art organizes an annual convergence of street artists in Montreal. The second gathering will take place this coming August 14-23, 2015 under the name “Unceded Voices”.

During Unceded Voices, artists from all over Turtle Island (and beyond) will be making street art interventions on the streets of Montreal. Unceded Voices will also include workshops and panels on the theme of anti-colonialism.

This year (2015) all participating artists are Indigenous and/or people of colour. In the long-term, Decolonizing Street Art is focused specifically on supporting a solidarity network of women-identified Indigenous street artists.

The organizing principles of Decolonizing Street Art include opposition to colonialism, capitalism, and all forms of oppression, including but not limited to racism, patriarchy, heterosexism, ableism and transphobia. We organize on the basis of solidarity, mutual aid and support, as anti-colonial street artists and supporters.

Decolonizing Street Art is a grassroots initiative. We refuse state and corporate funding. Our overall budget (less than $4000 annually) is raised via crowdfunding and the support of local groups and individuals.

Decolonizing Street Art promotes autonomous street art (distinct from public art) that is not financed by government or corporate institutions, or represents their interests.

Decolonizing Street Art’s lead organizer is Camille Larivée, a queer and feminist Innu street artist based in Montreal, with the support of local allied individuals and organizations. The original idea for Decolonizing Street Art emerged from a conversation between Camille and Tom GreyEyes (Navajo) in November 2013.

SUPPORT UNCEDED VOICES

Here are some ways you can support Unceded Voices:

FINANCIAL DONATION: We are currently raising the money needed for Unceded Voices (to cover travel costs of participants, as well as materials). Visit our gofundme campaign to make a donation: www.gofundme.com/uncededvoices; you can also get in touch by e-mail to make a cash donation: decolonizingstreetart@gmail.com

SHARE MATERIALS: Please consider making in-kind donations. Some of our needs include: paint, spraypaint, brushes and scaffolding. To make a donation, e-mail us at decolonizingstreetart@gmail.com to make arrangements.

WALL SPACES: We’re on the look-out for wall spaces in Montreal for murals and wheatpasting. If you can help us out, get in touch by e-mail:decolonizingstreetart@gmail.com